Last week I was talking to my good friend Tim Beachum about new scripts I had completed, current projects, and future films I wanted to shoot. The conversation moved from talking about filmmaking to a book he had recently read called, “The Alchemist.” I am confessed book junkie, but lately I have not been in the mood to read as much. My mind has been consumed with looking to the future for that next screenplay to write or movie to make.
I had never heard of “The Alchemist” and politely told Tim I did not have the time to read it. It was a complete BS excuse. The reality was I was mentally drained and frustrated that Slice Of Americana Films projects were not coming together as fast as I wanted them to. The goal was to fund, produce, and distribute two to three independent films a year in-house.
Sources of funding disappeared when the economy crashed and burned.
Film investors for indie projects became scarce. The executive producers for two films that were going to be shot back to back had to pull out after already spending $ 15,000 on early preproduction. The commercial buildings they built in Southern California sat empty with no tenants. This changed their cash flow dramatically and the projects were now dead.
Last Friday a copy of “The Alchemist” arrives as a gift from Tim with a note that said, “Sid, you have to read this book as soon as you get it!” I put it on my desk without even reading the back cover. Instead I chose not to be productive at all and spent the weekend burning off steam to relax.
I felt somewhat better after raising a little hell, but was not looking forward to another round of pitching to new investors for the next two movies.
My mind had already been geared up to get on set, roll cameras, and make two entertaining movies. Now I was back at step one of financing. I really felt like that first deal had been a total waste of time and energy. At the end I had accomplished zero and was not any closer to the goal of producing two to three movies a year in-house.
Sunday I finally started reading “The Alchemist” and could not put it down. I finished it that night. I immediately called Tim to say thanks for sending it. He told me, “Sid, no problem amigo. I wasn’t going to let an excuse keep your mind stuck in the mud.”
Funny, how life works sometimes. The unselfish gesture of a friend had a positive mental impact that came at a point when I needed it most. I would have never read this book if it had not been sent as a gift. It turns out this story shined a light on what I was overlooking lately as a filmmaker.
The story author Paulo Coelho told in “The Alchemist” spoke to me. My personal take on the theme for me is this. Everything I had done from writing my first short story as a teenager to having movies distributed has been part of my own creative journey.
I had a renewed appreciation for all the knowledge of screenwriting, directing, and producing I have learned and continue to learn as I pursue what author Paulo Coelho describes as a “Personal Legend – the path we decide to take that fills our heart with enthusiasm. It is the path of our dreams.”
I have learned many important lessons, both good and bad, from actors to distribution companies I have worked with in the film industry. I am now more grateful for having the opportunity to have been in the position to live and learn through those experiences. My creative and business mindset has been changed for the better.
This is part 1 of 2. I will continue my story of how reading “The Alchemist” inspired a new perspective on screenwriting, producing, and directing films if that is your Personal Legend, like it is mine. This is indie filmmaker Sid Kali typing: Fade Out Part 1 of 2 of The Alchemist & The Filmmaker.
Slice of Americana Films blog is a helpful filmmaking resource for writers, directors, actors, producers, and any casual reader with their own great story idea for a movie. – Take action today!
What makes a great director? Having a vision for your film is only the tip of the iceberg. The imagination part is relatively easy. What every film director needs to have in abundance are ways to communicate that vision to their team. Not only do you need to be a great communicator but both team leader and team player. Today s great filmmakers no longer hide behind the megaphone and dictate their instructions to crew and actors but instead listen and allow their team to contribute. The end result is one in which not only the cast and crew feel proud and enjoy but then allows this passion to filter through to its inevitable audience. So how do you become one of these great directors? Well that is up to you and your desire to make engaging movies with cast and crew who would willingly work with you time and again, and also a little guidance. The Raindance Directors Foundation weekend has been designed to give you the key skills and understandings to set you on you way. Chris Thomas provides both established and fresh concepts to assist you in developing and improving your own skills as a filmmaker. From detailed script analysis and creating a directors vision through working with actors to shooting and editing a film right in front of you, you will get the rare opportunity to see the whole process unveil itself in just 2 days. THE DIRECTOR S FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE 19 & 20 January 2008 (930 am to 6pm) Ryerson University Call us at 416-961-6627 or email info@raindancecanada …
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Question by Former Democrat New Independent: Any advice or guidance about how a filmmaker should go about fundraising for an indie film?
Looking for ways to raise money to make my indie philm… no knowledge of how to approach it.
Best answer:
Answer by christos r
Try this site:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/196492/how_to_raise_funds_for_independent.html
What do you think? Answer below!
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An independent filmmaker discusses the type of camera you’ll need to shoot a movie in this free instructional video clip. Expert: Cory Turner Bio: Cory Turner is the President/CEO of ReQuest Entertainment. Filmmaker: Kenny Saylors
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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